Kidnapped British boy released in Pakistan

A five-year-old British boy kidnapped while on holiday in Pakistan with his family has been released

Last updated: September 15, 2018 | 21:47

1 MIN READ

Islamabad: A five-year-old British boy kidnapped while on holiday in Pakistan with his family this month has been released, the British high commission in Islamabad said on Tuesday.

Sahil Saeed was taken from his grandmother's house in the town of Jhelum, south of Islamabad, on March 4.

His relatives said he was taken by robbers who stole jewellery, cash and demanded a $120,000 ransom.

"This is fantastic news. It brings to an end the traumatic ordeal faced by Sahil and his family," British High Commissioner (ambassador) Adam Thomson said in a statement read out by a spokesman for the diplomatic mission.

"I would like to praise the high level of cooperation between UK and Pakistani authorities and in particular I would like to thank the Jhelum police for their role in bringing about the safe return of Sahil," he added.

The British high commissioner gave no details on when, where or how the boy had been released, nor confirmed his current whereabouts.

Kidnappers released the British boy unharmed on Tuesday, almost two weeks after abducting him, British and Pakistani officials said.

A relative of Sahil Saeed distributes sweets among visitors after the news of his release at his house in Jhelum, Pakistan.

Sahil's mother Akila Naqqash holds a picture of her son at her home in Oldham, England on Thursday March 4.

Pakistan's Interior Minister Rehman Malik, centre, meets with Raja Naqqash Saeed, left, and Tasneem Bashir, father and grandmother, respectively, of kidnapped Sahil, earlier in the week.

Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox